Lesson 618

(Lesson 618)(04-27-13) Revelations 1:1-6, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

In the beginning of this lesson there's a blessing promised to anyone willing to accept it. John says, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein:"

This prophetic (warning?) is directed to the "seven churches which are in Asia" There are some who contend that each of these seven Churches represent a dispensation, or period of Church history, however, I can find no scriptural reason to believe that to be the case. Maybe evidence confirming or denying that premise will surface as we continue the study of this book.

John makes it clear that this warning, or prophesy is sent from both God the Father, the Son. He also says it is sent from "the seven Spirits which are before His throne". I have no idea who these "seven Spirits" are, or what they represent, I and have found nothing that can positively identify them to my satisfaction. I do, however, remain open to any pertinent discussion that might clarify this mystery and encourage those of you who have ideas about it to voice those ideas.~